If they let gas costs operate at market value, more people would look to better MPG cars.

But I'm curious to see how quickly the same people that argue now about too much regulation would change their argument if gas went up to market value.

Wasn't it amazing how thoroughly the threat of just $5/gal (for me it actually was $5/gal in SD) caused everyone to hot sell their SUV's and climb into all those subcompacts and hybrids you see out there? Nothing was more effective than that.

Combined 35.5 MPG by CAFE standards isn't really going to do a whole lot for the environment. There are bigger fish to fry which the government, for one reason or another, would rather not betray.

Not quite......gas turbine engines put out little atmospheric pollution compared to other fuel burning processes. This is due to the turbine engines are 95-99% efficient where our piston engines are ~30% efficient.

you have no idea what you are talking about... maybe they are more efficient but they contribute more to climate change than all the cars in the world combined... it is because their contrails trap heat in the atmosphere, thus messing everything up..

you have no idea what you are talking about... maybe they are more efficient but they contribute more to climate change than all the cars in the world combined... it is because their contrails trap heat in the atmosphere, thus messing everything up..

Just relaying information I learned in my Turbines class here in college.

Now I may have misinterpreted what the professor said, but turbines are 95-99% efficient.

This whole "green" movement is supported by special interests to the Democratic party. Funny Al Gore has taken the lead in this movement, however I wonder if it has to do with his investment in Capricorn Investment Group LLC, or Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, which invested a billion dollars in companies bidding on "green" contracts. They crucified Cheney for his ties to Haliburton but where is the left now?

Yeah you're right there is no long term serious interest in real environmentalism among any Greens/Democrats... Get real. I don't think the Dems or Republicans are innocent, good nor really represent the people. I still stick to my point that we need environmental regulations and even stronger ones than are in place currently.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeG_C63_AMG

Government regulation of certain industries is need I will admit. However their comes a point when it's influence effects the private sector to much.

Agree.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeG_C63_AMG

To many strict regulations will lead to companies being force to raise the cost they charge for the end item (which is of course is passed on to the consumer) which could eventually lead to declining profits, and bankruptcy.

Companies leading the charge look at total lifecycle cost including disposal, recycling and the impact of toxic ingredients. Costs will be passed to the consumer but this is not going to bankrupt anyone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeG_C63_AMG

If you believe the blame for financial collapse due to deregulation of the industry is soulfully on the hands of the Republican party you are clearly misinformed. Sure Republicans sponsored their share of legislation relating to this, however what about the policies of Clinton Administration in the early 90's? Barney Frank and the House Financial Services Committee? I guess those facts have been omitted by the talking points of the left. Again both parties are at fault.

Yes and no. There is blame to go around but I contend on this issue there is much more blame attributed to the Republicans. Leading the way was Phil Gramm and the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act. Of course there is reasonable debate as to how much this contributed to the crisis.

Oh yeah cuz the Replublicans did so much to help the country out in the 8 years George W. Bush was the President. Good luck with that.

Republicans had control of the Congress for 6 years under Bush, not 8. The Dems took back control for the last 2 years of Bush's term. You know, the last two years where the economy took a shit.....

But realistically, only a fool thinks a single party or president is to blame for the huge pile of shit this country is in. There is plenty of blame to go around for everyone. But that's what America does these days: Point fingers and accept no responsibility......

you have no idea what you are talking about... maybe they are more efficient but they contribute more to climate change than all the cars in the world combined... it is because their contrails trap heat in the atmosphere, thus messing everything up..

You might want to go and do some real research. Contrails have both warming and cooling aspects, how much of each, and which is dominate, is much debated.

If you want to research pollution I suggest a world tour, focused on third world cities with little air travel. Don't plan on doing a daily run -- your lungs won't like it.

On the upside it is always good to be reminded that the right does not have a lock on the tin foil hat market.

Republicans had control of the Congress for 6 years under Bush, not 8. The Dems took back control for the last 2 years of Bush's term. You know, the last two years where the economy took a shit.....

But realistically, only a fool thinks a single party or president is to blame for the huge pile of shit this country is in. There is plenty of blame to go around for everyone. But that's what America does these days: Point fingers and accept no responsibility......

Wow that is amazing, you are the first person to say what I thought to a T. I believe that is the whole problem with the USA today to many people pointing fingers. The whole of the USA has lost it's way and forgot who they were, the majority does not want to see this, due to the fact that people want to be liberal and not take any blame for the consequence. Human nature taking over in a country that has no morals or values anymore.